Silverbrook Mine

Ilsington, Teignbridge, Devon, England, UK

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

Silverbrook Mine is located in Ilsington, Devon, England, on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, near Haytor.
It produced lead, silver, and other minerals like calcite and sphalerite, with some uncommon occurrences.
The geological structure likely involves limestone, hosting mineral veins.
Mining occurred from around 1852 to 1858, now abandoned with safety concerns.
Ilsington has a rich mining history and is near Dartmoor, known for its natural beauty.
The climate is mild and wet, typical of Devon, with potential ecological impacts from mine contamination.

Geographic Location

Silverbrook Mine sits in Silverwood, east of Ilsington, in the Teignbridge district of Devon, England, UK, with coordinates at 50° 34' 7'' North, 3° 42' 41'' West (Mindat). Ilsington is a village on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, close to Haytor, a famous tor, and the Granite railway, which historically shipped stone to Teignmouth docks (Visit South Devon).

Minerals Produced

The mine is primarily a lead/silver operation, yielding a variety of minerals including:

Aragonite (CaCO₃)
Calcite (CaCO₃)
Cerussite (PbCO₃)
Dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂)
Galena (PbS)
Goethite (Fe³⁺O(OH))
Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O)
Hydrozincite (Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆)
Pyrite (FeS₂)
Quartz (SiO₂)
Sphalerite (ZnS)
Sulphur (S₈)

These minerals, especially cerussite and hydrozincite, are notable for their uncommon occurrences in lead/silver deposits (Mindat).

Geological Structure

Research suggests the host rock is likely limestone or carbonate, given the presence of lead and silver, often found in such formations. The mine extracted ore from NE-SW lodes, indicating mineral veins within the rock, consistent with Devon's geological profile (BGS Memoir).

Mining History

The mine was active from around 1852, with machinery like a 20-inch pumping engine installed by November 1852, and closed by 1858. It used traditional methods like engine shafts and winding engines, now abandoned with extensive tailings and ruins. Safety warnings highlight uncapped shafts and toxic contamination (Devon in Focus, Mindat).

Local Culture and Characteristics

Ilsington, mentioned in the Domesday Book as Ilestintona, is an ancient settlement with a rich mining history, including Silverbrook. It's near Dartmoor, offering natural beauty and attractions like Haytor. Local culture includes village shops and a connection to the Granite railway, reflecting its historical ties to mining and transport (Wikipedia, Visit South Devon).

Climate and Ecology

Devon has a temperate maritime climate, with mild temperatures and regular rainfall. Ilsington, on Dartmoor's edge, likely experiences cooler, wetter conditions. The ecology features heathlands and bogs, but the mine area has potential toxic heavy metal contamination, impacting local wildlife (Met Office, Mindat).